Introduction
Nothing beats the feeling of curling up with a warm bowl of hearty beef stew after a long day. This rich and flavorful stew is the perfect comfort food that combines tender beef, pearl onions, carrots, potatoes, and a savory broth into one wholesome, satisfying dish. With its depth of flavor and cozy appeal, this beef stew is a perfect meal for cold weather, gatherings, or any time you need a delicious, filling dish.
This recipe offers an easy, step-by-step guide to making the ultimate beef stew that’s tender, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.
-Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Tender beef – The beef chuck becomes perfectly tender after simmering for hours.
✔️ Flavor-packed broth – The combination of herbs, spices, and vegetables gives the broth incredible depth.
✔️ Perfect for meal prepping – This stew keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.
✔️ Hearty and satisfying – A complete meal in one pot, packed with protein, vegetables, and rich flavors.
-Ingredients
For the Stew:
2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1 cup pearl onions (fresh or frozen)
4 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine (optional but adds great flavor)
2 tsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
For Thickening (Optional):
1-2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for a thicker stew)
2 tbsp water (to mix with the cornstarch)
-Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef cubes in batches (so they don’t overcrowd the pot) and brown them on all sides. This step adds great flavor and caramelization.
3. Remove the browned beef from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
1. In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if necessary, and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly for added depth.
Step 3: Add the Liquids & Simmer
1. Return the browned beef to the pot.
2. Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using), stirring to combine.
3. Add the dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Bring the stew to a simmer, then lower the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 1 ½ to 2 hours or until the beef is tender.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
1. After the beef has cooked and is tender, add the carrots, potatoes, and pearl onions to the stew.
2. Stir well and simmer for an additional 30-45 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Thicken the Stew (Optional)
1. If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1-2 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water to form a slurry.
2. Stir this into the stew and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning & Serve
1. Taste the stew and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
2. Remove the bay leaves and serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley (optional).
-Serving Suggestions
Crusty bread – A slice of warm, buttery bread for dipping into the rich broth.
Mashed potatoes – Serve the stew over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for extra comfort.
Green salad – A light, refreshing salad to balance the richness of the stew.
Red wine – Pair with a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec.
-Tips for the Best Beef Stew
Choose the right cut of beef – Beef chuck is perfect for stew because it’s marbled with fat and becomes incredibly tender when simmered slowly.
Don’t skip browning the beef – This step locks in flavor and adds richness to the stew.
Use fresh herbs – While dried herbs work well, fresh thyme and rosemary elevate the stew’s flavor.
⏱️ Simmer low and slow – The key to tender beef and a flavorful broth is a slow simmer. Don’t rush this process!
-Variations & Flavor Twists
1. Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Follow the same steps for browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, then add everything to the slow cooker.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef and vegetables are tender.
2. Irish Beef Stew
Add stout beer (like Guinness) in place of red wine for a rich, hearty flavor.
Use parsnips in place of potatoes for a more traditional twist.
3. Spicy Beef Stew
Add 1-2 chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
Stir in chipotle chili powder or smoked paprika for a smoky, spicy kick.
4. Vegetable Beef Stew
Add more vegetables like celery, green beans, or turnips to make a heartier, veggie-packed stew.
-Storage & Freezing Tips
❄️ Store leftovers – Beef stew will last for 3-4 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
Freeze for later – Allow the stew to cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
Reheat – Reheat on the stove over low heat until hot, adding a bit of broth if needed to loosen the consistency.
-Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! While beef chuck is the best for stews due to its marbling, you can also use brisket or round. Just keep in mind that the cook time may vary depending on the cut.
2. Can I make this stew spicier?
Absolutely! Add cayenne pepper, paprika, or fresh chilies to bring some heat to the dish.
3. Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?
Yes! If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and add some vegetarian protein like lentils or tofu.
-Final Thoughts
Hearty Beef Stew is the perfect comfort food—rich, flavorful, and packed with tender meat and vegetables. It’s the kind of dish that gets better the longer it sits, making it a great meal for meal prep, dinner parties, or any time you want a filling, nutritious, and satisfying meal.
Try this recipe today for a hearty, delicious meal that will keep you coming back for more!